I first saw this book on TikTok thanks to one of the authors posts and I immediately ran to NetGalley to request it! I had the highest hopes and this book met almost all of them.

I did find the first 5-10% a bit slow going, the world set up felt a little heavy handed at first but as soon as the plot started to progress I forgot that it was ever an issue!

The magic system in this book is really interesting and I’m really looking forward to further development of this in subsequent books. I found the protagonist easy to like and support - and I’m loving the POC representation in an urban fantasy, though granted, the world feels far more fantastical than regular London!


Cannot wait to buy this and put it in the library for my KS4 kids - they’re going to eat it up!!

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley from the publisher (thank you!) but my opinions are my own.

I started this book in the first 5% not sure that I was going to be a fan - it seemed to overly explain things to me and info dump a bit. Plus I think I was a little weirded out by the setting being right where I work and hang out in London (so that pulled me out of the story a little, just because I'm not used to it). My company even used to give out discounts to stay in the St. Pancras hotel including the tower room where Gerald lives in the book!

But as soon as we get into the plot this issue disappeared, so I think this might have been only an issue at the start, when the author is trying to find a way into the story.

Then, the slight issue became just the fact that the story plot was sometimes a bit hard to follow, lots of twists and turns and new names. But this was a minor issue only for me and didn't stop me from enjoying the book.

I started to zip through it at speed I was enjoying it so much from then on - I loved the characters and their backstory and genuinely even cried a little when anything bad happened to Amy I felt so connected to her.

Even though there are quite a few characters in the story too, the single chapters in different perspectives didn't annoy me like they usually do in this set up. Normally I've gotten close to the two main characters so much that I'm either bored or fully annoyed when a single chapter takes me away from them and into someone who I don't know as much and don't care about. But in this case it was really refreshing and the side characters had such unique personalities that I loved being in their heads for the short time I was. It added a new dimension to the story, and a third party outsider perspective on the relationship/partnership I'd been growing to love between Amy and Gerald.

I loved the action and drama, and the descriptions of the unique magic system! I genuinely can't wait for a sequel to this book (which I hope is coming) to learn even more about the Reapers and Amy's backstory and so much that they just couldn't fit in this book. Bring it on.

I really enjoyed Amy's character and the writer's representation of her powers, heritage and personhood. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the book and think that the writing and plot are well thought out and realised throughout the novel. I really enjoyed it and recommend it for fans of urban fantasy and great empath and POC characters!

I was immediately drawn to this book by the cover, and then I was pleasantly surprised when I read the blurb—it sounded like quite a bit of fun! I love the idea of Reapers and Empaths, and how the characters grapple with their responsibilities/powers. I though the Downers was an interesting concept and that the characters were well done.

I felt like I needed to know a bit more about the universe and the secondary characters, but I'm hoping that will be fleshed out in book two!
re well developed. I sense the plot is lacking closure in the hopes of a second book, and if there were one I would probably read it.

Thanks to NetGalley, Del Rey and Jackson P. Brown for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

In a world where monsters walk among humans mostly undetected, Amy can see their auras - and what they are. Enter a mysterious encounter with a mysterious man of a species unknown to Amy, suspicion from both parties, and now we have an unlikely partnership - a Grim Reaper and an empath against the evil plaguing both their worlds.

Despite being set in our world, this resembles High much more than Urban Fantasy. Jackson P. Brown excels at creating intricate and believable magical and political systems, joining these with timely topics such as immigration. It isn't just a fun, fantasy novel, but a social commentary. It weaves itself around the plot, questions the morality of multiple characters, and creates a beautiful, well-developed universe filled with people who could be real.

However, the writing has made this confusing at times, rushing in places where I could've used a breather from all the action. Amy's character could've been developed more, as it felt like her existence was solely tied to the monster's. We learn very little about her life aside from the fact she works at a library and has a dead grandmother, whereas Gerald's life prior to the events of the novel are explored enough.

Despite everything, it's still an enjoyable read, one I was struggling to put down. If you like political fantasy or action, you will love this.

I was initially really intrigued about this books, particularly when I saw the cover and read the blurb. The beginning was quite convoluted but I managed to get into the story. The FMC Amy was generally easy to root for and I liked her story and discovery of what it means to be an empath. I liked the setting and the references to different places in London.

I found this novel very challenging at the start. The scene-setting descriptions were, in my opinion, overly elaborate. However, as I kept going, I managed to pace myself, often re-reading sentences to ensure I understood the nuances. Then I understood.. It is a magical novel woven in the upstairs and downstairs of this world with nary a bulter sight. The blend between the world as we know it and the fairytale world underground.

Suspend disbelief and you will love this story. Highly recommend.

If I could give this 3.5 stars I would.

Reaper follows Empath Amy as she tunes into Gerald’s incredible and strange power on the night of his Awakening. Gerald is a Reaper who has Awakened into, well more power it seems but at the end of the novel I realise we haven’t satisfactorily circled back to the “who cares” part of this great power. There’s also a big trauma in Gerald’s past that is literally shrouded in ice and mystery.

Amy and Gerald’s lives quickly become intwined when Amy uses her powers of empathy to track the auras of Gerald’s two big targets - which is weird because it’s clear Amy feels both good helping and bad about the killing. Her feelings aren’t resolved by the end, as she and Gerald walk into the sunset holding hands (not romantically but not not romantically??).

The world of the Downers, or those of supernatural inclination, is interesting and the characters are well written with subtle and clear markers of race that go beyond just naming skin tone. Amy and Gerald are well developed. I sense the plot is lacking closure in the hopes of a second book, and if there were one I would probably read it.

I don’t usually read, fantasy novels but I was intrigued by the blur of this book, and I thought that this would be up my street.
I really liked the first part of this story and liked the character of Amy and discovering of what it is like to be an Empath and meeting Gerald the Reaper and the bond between them. Then it went into a type of political drama that I was not expecting at all. And because of that I got lost and couldn’t really decipher what was going on and I felt quite confused with it all. 3 stars from me.

This urban fantasy/thriller is such an enjoyable read and is an excellent debut novel. It's a reimagining of the reaper as I'm sure we have never seen before. This reaper is from an African tribe of assassins who now lives in King's Cross, London. He is rich, charming and deadly. His partner is a Jamaican empath from Streatham. I live in London and I really like the way the author has used so many familiar locations to bring the story to life. I think the world-building is done well. It is a fast-paced story with well-developed characters. The main story line and sub plots are interesting, and the author uses different themes to keep you invested in the story and the characters.

Brown’s craft is solid in this book about The Reaper, Gerald, and an empath, Amy. Set in London, with modern crime scene in the backdrop, this is an interesting take on the supernatural crosses crime and the unlikely duo are interesting.

A real mix of genres - supernatural, crime fighting, political drama.

I liked that it was set in London and they went to places we know! Amy's personality was likeable and you had empathy for her.

I was just very confused by all the characters and viewpoints.

I thought this book was about Jack the reaper
I enjoyed this book though it was not what I was expecting to be

Loved this book soooo much 5 stars

Gerald was such a strong character and slowly seeing him understand himself was so satisfying. I also fell in love with Amy and the world itself. All the magical beings were so fun and I loved learning about each one!

The Reaper by Jackson P. Brown is a gripping and atmospheric fantasy thriller that explores the dark undercurrents of human nature, morality, and justice. Set against a backdrop of suspense and mystery, Brown’s novel delves into the complexities of crime, vengeance, and the consequences of one’s actions. With masterful pacing and a tight narrative, the book captures readers from the first page and captivates them until its thrilling conclusion. Multiple supernatural beings appear in this novel such as wraiths, witches, warlocks, werewolves, vampires, etc.
The story follows a protagonist, known as “The Grim Reaper,” a seasoned hitman with a dark past. As the protagonist becomes entangled in a web of betrayal, secrets, and power struggles, the plot unfurls with an intensity that escalates throughout the novel. Brown’s writing is sharp, evocative, and deeply immersive, making it difficult to put the book down once you start.
The Reaper becomes known to Amy, an extraordinary empath, at his Awakening, where he is given unmatchable powers to kill. After meeting a few times, Amy decides to become his partner to track down bad supernatural beings.
The character development in The Reaper is one of the novel’s standout features. Brown intricately layers the protagonist’s psyche, balancing their cold and calculating nature with flashes of vulnerability and humanity. This duality makes the character both compelling and morally ambiguous, inviting readers to wrestle with questions of right and wrong. As the story progresses, the reader is drawn deeper into the complex ethical dilemmas faced by the Reaper, whose sense of justice often clashes with the brutal world around him.
Brown’s exploration of moral ambiguity is nuanced and thought-provoking. The narrative challenges readers to question the true nature of justice, revenge, and redemption. The tension between right and wrong, and the consequences of choices, is a consistent theme that runs throughout the novel. Brown expertly weaves these themes into the plot, creating a work that is thrilling and intellectually engaging.
The pacing of The Reaper is relentless, with Brown skillfully building suspense and keeping the reader on edge. Each chapter introduces new twists and turns, ensuring that the story never feels stagnant. The writing style is clean and precise, allowing the reader to follow the fast-moving action without becoming overwhelmed by unnecessary details. The dialogue is sharp and often loaded with subtext, adding layers of intrigue to the characters’ interactions.
However, while the novel excels in many areas, its darker themes and violent content may be difficult for some readers. The graphic nature of some of the scenes can be unsettling, but they are integral to the story's exploration of the grim realities of the world in which the characters live. For fans of gritty crime thrillers, this book will be a satisfying and thought-provoking read.
In conclusion, The Reaper by Jackson P. Brown is a riveting thriller that blends action, suspense, and philosophical depth. It is a testament to the author’s talent for crafting complex characters and exploring the moral intricacies of their decisions. For those who enjoy a dark and intense narrative that examines the human condition under extreme circumstances, this book is an unmissable read. Brown’s ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats while challenging their views on justice and morality marks The Reaper as a standout in the thriller/fantasy genre.

"The Reaper" is an exciting, fast-paced urban fantasy that pulls you into a world where the supernatural exists just beneath the surface. Amy, an empath struggling with her own limitations, and Gerald, a brooding Reaper on the cusp of discovering his true power, make for a dynamic and compelling duo. Their unlikely partnership is filled with tension, intrigue, and mystery, and the mission to find a missing girl adds an engaging layer of suspense. The world-building is rich, the characters are relatable, and the stakes are high. A fantastic read for fans of supernatural thrillers!

A slightly strange intro starts this book off with someone being "awakened" through ancestors and a voice that was something quite different. As the world returns to "normal" there is a sense of the silken threads of the lives of many people. Amy is a passing bystander to all this and is fascinated. She is an empath and can sense the magic creatures who are around in London but she has never come across an aura like this one. Despite the being having left the area, the next day she returns to the spot and is able to track its aura. She does have an issue with her powers as she doesn't really understand them well. Her grandmother was also an empath but died before she could tell Amy all she knew about the powers.

Amy already recognises, vampires, werewolves and mages/witches. However, the person she saw was Gerald, coming into his full powers as Grim Reaper. There is a question of who is actually stalking who however Gerald and Amy meet up with both very interested in the other. It's fair to say that they both consider the other rather strange! As might be gathered from Gerald's full name he is responsible for taking lives (there's a lot more to it than that!). Given Amy can follow/recognise magical beings who are targets for Gerald, working together might be an idea.

In London there is a realm below. Amy is unusual (and not always approved of) by having access to it and its citizens via Gerald. The book follows their relationship and activities both above and below ground. As the book progresses we learn some of the lore affecting Gerald and his tribe. Amy develops as a person and in her powers.

I found Amy a very good character indeed. I liked her abilities and the person she was. Within the framework of fantasy she felt credible to me and an interesting idea. It's fair to say that she is at odds with Gerald's "work" in the main (and intelligently so). I could understand the idea of them working together however I found it somewhat unconvincing. The fairly light approach to the narrative was fine however the dark parts contrasted starkly with this - assassinations and shopping in Harrods… There was something faintly Potteresque about this at times.

Individually both characters were good enough (Amy more so than that) but I'm not sure they worked together for me. Gerald (and his background) is complex but I found him nothing like as convincing as Amy. I would have really liked to love this but I can't honestly say I did. An interesting book and real credit to the character on Amy but it didn't really work for me.